Life in the UK test questions on music in the UK

Practise music in the UK

Questions and answers on music in the UK

The same 7 questions again, this time with the answers shown. Read the explanation even where you were right — the test asks the same facts several ways.

1. 1. What are the Proms?

   • An eight-week summer season of classical music concerts — correct answer
   • A national competition for young singers
   • A weekly radio programme about folk music
   • A prize for the best British album

   The Proms are an eight-week summer season of orchestral classical music concerts, ending with the famous Last Night of the Proms. Handbook section 4.6.

2. 2. In which decade did British bands such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones become world famous?

   • The 1960s — correct answer
   • The 1920s
   • The 1990s
   • The 2010s

   The Beatles and The Rolling Stones became world famous in the 1960s, and British pop music has shaped popular music ever since. Handbook section 4.6.

3. 3. What is Glastonbury?

   • One of the UK's best-known outdoor music festivals — correct answer
   • A classical concert hall in London
   • A prize for young composers
   • A Welsh festival of poetry

   Glastonbury is one of the UK's best-known outdoor music festivals, alongside events such as the Isle of Wight Festival. Handbook section 4.6.

4. 4. Which two statements about the Proms are correct?

   • They are organised by the BBC — correct answer
   • They are held at the Royal Albert Hall in London — correct answer
   • They take place every winter in Edinburgh
   • They are only open to professional musicians

   The Proms are organised by the BBC and held at the Royal Albert Hall in London each summer. Handbook section 4.6.

5. 5. Which composer wrote the Pomp and Circumstance Marches, one of which is sung as 'Land of Hope and Glory'?

   • Sir Edward Elgar — correct answer
   • Gustav Holst
   • Henry Purcell
   • Benjamin Britten

   Sir Edward Elgar wrote the Pomp and Circumstance Marches, and the first of them is sung as 'Land of Hope and Glory' at the Last Night of the Proms. Handbook section 4.6.

6. 6. Which famous composer was born in Germany but became a British citizen?

   • George Frideric Handel — correct answer
   • Gustav Holst
   • Sir Edward Elgar
   • Henry Purcell

   George Frideric Handel was born in Germany, spent most of his life in Britain and became a British citizen; his Messiah is still sung by choirs at Easter. Handbook section 4.6.

7. 7. Who organises the annual Brit Awards?

   • The British Phonographic Industry — correct answer
   • The BBC
   • The Arts Council of England
   • The Royal Albert Hall

   The Brit Awards are organised each year by the British Phonographic Industry and include prizes for best British group and best British solo artist. Handbook section 4.6.